Chia Seeds

These little guys are growing more and more in popularity recently due to all of their great health benefits.  They even sell them in Whole Foods now, and I would bet that Trader Joe's is not far behind. Chia seeds have been a staple food source for American Indians for centuries.  Here is a brief list of these benefits:

• Chia Seeds are high in Omega 3s.
• They absorb about 8 times their weight in water, and so athletes like them because they can help hydrate the body.  This can also help with dieters since they make you feel fuller longer.
• They are a complete source of dietary protein, providing all the essential amino acids
• The gel-forming properties of Chia Seeds help to slow digestion and sustain balanced blood sugar levels, which can be helpful in preventing and controlling of diabetes.
• They help facilitate growth and regeneration of tissue during pregnancy and lactation, as well as regeneration of muscles for athletes and bodybuilders.
• They are an excellent source of fiber.
• There has been promise with cancer research and Chia.
• They contain large amounts of B vitamins and calcium.

You can eat Chia Seeds in a variety of ways - mix them with water or juice and just drink them, mix them into your daily yogurt or oatmeal, or you can bake them into breads or muffins.  Here is a recipe for a Chia Seed "pudding" that I recently made:

Mix 1/4 cup of Chia Seeds with 1+1/4 cups Almond Milk and mix well.  (I use Organic Vanilla Amond Milk that is slightly sweetened.  If you use unsweetened Almond Milk, then you can add a squirt of Agave Nectar to the mix).  Add about 1 teaspon of finely grated lemon zest and stir in.  Let sit in the refrigerator for at least a couple hours to let the seeds form their jelly shells and so the mixture is tapioca-like.  

Serve with sliced fruit on top.  I ate it with bananas, but it would also be good with citrus fruits or mango.  

Makes about 2 servings.